Me Gusta Barcelona Past Review
By Tara C (Social Work., Providence College) for
Arcadia: Barcelona- Arcadia in Barcelona
I had a great study abroad experience because I proved to myself that I was able to go out of my comfort zone and experience a whole new way of life. I met so many people and learned so many things. I plan on going back and teaching English in Spain.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had excellent teachers when I was abroad that were very willig to help. It was different mostly because the work load was much less. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a good area very close to school. However when I was going out at night my friends lived all over the city. This was difficult in the beginning when I did not know the city well. Once I became used to living in Barcelona it was fine. My apartment was fully furnished and I ended up buying new sheets and blankets. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Sevilla which was included in my program fee was one of my favorite places. It was a good way to go on a trip and get to know everyone in my program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program was willing to make doctor appointments and assist students with health related issues. They did not seem concered with safety. They claimed Barcelona was a safe city, which it is, however as a forigner living in a new city they were very insensitive towards any of my concerns. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | We were not informed that we had to buy our textbooks. This was a large expense and they would not let us share. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish everyday. My Spanish teacher would not speak English to us at all and most of the older generation in Barcelona only spoke Spanish. The younger generation knew English and liked to converse in English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Barcelona is the greatest city to study in. I was not extremely impressed by the program, however I would sign up just to be back in Barclona. If you enjoy staying busy then Barcelona is definitly a city that never stops. It is a great place to be. |
